Problems With Footwork
Table Tennis Strokes and Technique
Last updated 2 months ago
Lachlan Kennett Asked 7 months ago
Hi Alois, I've had some problems with footwork recently! One coach taught me that before I take a loop shot I should have my left foot open (kind of on your tippy toes) and I should have my right foot closed (flat on the ground). When you take the shot, you rotate and do the opposite (so your left foot closes and your right foot opens). It turns into an open-close mechanism switching from your feet. However, some other coaches describe it as more of a shuffle. Some coaches suggest to just keep your feet planted on the ground and do almost short little jumps. What should I do?
Alois Rosario Answered 7 months ago
Hi Lachlan,
The transfer of weight that your coach is showing you is fine. This is when you are starting to utilise a bit more rotation of the waist.
You can start with a balanced stance with no movement of the feet. However as you progress, eventually there will be a more dynamic movement that could involve jumping and transferring your weight more fully through the stroke.
These are all options and progressions of the stroke.
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yagiz yılmaz Posted 2 months ago
What about when pros jump? Are they also weight transferring? If so, how? Like, I saw them planting their foot and transferring their weight smoothly and balanced too but I think I see them jumping a lot more than that. Also, they look like they are weight transferring (their leg and waist rotation) but they are usually on the air, in the middle of jumping action. This has been a big question for me.
Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 2 months ago
Hi Yagiz,
Jumping with both feet is an advanced move that you will see most advanced players using. This allows for a faster and more efficient movement. They transfer their weight through the stroke as they swing. The jumping gets them into a good position more quickly to be able to execute the stroke.